Effective July 2010 Project Share will be administered by Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika, Alabama. To make an appointment, call 334-787-5932.

For more information on this program or other assistance programs in our area, please call 211 from a landline phone.

Project Share
The intention of Project SHARE (Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy) is to help meet the energy needs of qualified, low income elderly, or disabled individuals facing financial and/or medical situations. The program began on December 15, 1982, seeded with $50,000 from Alabama Power Company. In 1984, Alabama Gas Corporation joined the program, contributing $25,000 in seed money and a one time disbursement of $304,222.

The program is funded primarily by monthly $1, $2 or $5 donations from the customers of Alabama Power Company, Alabama Gas Corporation, and other participating energy suppliers via their utility bills. Ninety-five percent of donated funds are used to meet emergency energy needs.

Project SHARE is conducted jointly by the Alabama Power Company, Alabama Gas Corporation and the American Red Cross. Under the general oversight of the Board of Directors of the Birmingham Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, a volunteer Advisory Committee makes recommendations regarding the eligibility criteria and program guidelines. The committee is composed of not less than 15 representatives from community service and benevolent organizations throughout the state.

The American Red Cross, Birmingham Area Chapter, manages the program for all participating areas in the state, but the program is administered locally in each participating county. Project SHARE covers 59 counties and funds are allocated based on weather factors, elderly population and the number of disabled people. Since the beginning of the program, Project SHARE has provided more than $24.7 million to pay the energy bills of over 250,000 qualified households.

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Family Caregiving
Health & Community Services of the Lee County Red Cross has been awarded a community grant by ADA Foundation The American Dental Association to deliver Family Caregiving Programs in Lee County.

The Family Caregiving Program is designed to help participants gain an understanding of what is involved in caring for a loved one and know how to provide that care through 1-hour modules covering topics such as personal care, nutrition, home safety and others.

We are searching for community individuals who are willing to be trained as leaders in this important program. Ideal Family Caregiving leaders should have experience in the delivery of patient care in a long-term or home setting.

There is NO COST for this training. Leaders must complete the following steps before conducting any modules:

· Register by calling our office at 334-749-9981 to reserve your place in our orientation.

· Complete a self-study orientation or attend a group orientation to the program, materials and products.

· Complete and sign the Leader Agreement and Code of Conduct and submit it to the local Red Cross chapter.

Family Caregiving leaders who complete the training will receive: 1 complete set of training materials (all Family Caregiving modules and one Family VHS or DVD), Leader’s Guide & 10 bookets of module #4, Assisting with Personal Care, for the leaders first 10 students.

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